The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong rebuttal to recent accusations from Yemen. The Governor of Hadramawt, Salem Al-Khanbashi, made claims about discoveries at Riyan Airport in Mukalla. He alleged the presence of weapons, explosives, and secret detention facilities there. The UAE Ministry of Defence has now responded to these statements.
UAE Ministry Calls Allegations Unfounded
The UAE Ministry of Defence described the governor's claims as completely baseless. Officials stated the allegations lack any factual evidence. They called the statements misleading and designed to misrepresent the UAE's role in Yemen.
The Ministry expressed concern that these claims damage the reputation of the UAE armed forces. They also cast doubt on a decade of military commitments and operations in the region. The response was firm and clear in its rejection of the narrative presented by the Yemeni governor.
Complete Withdrawal from Yemen Emphasized
The Ministry highlighted a crucial point about UAE military presence. They emphasized that UAE forces officially concluded their withdrawal from Yemen on 2nd January 2026. This exit included the transfer of all equipment, weapons, and assets following established military protocols.
This step removes any possibility of claims regarding ongoing Emirati military presence. There is no logistical or technical presence on Yemeni soil according to the Ministry. The clear and documented withdrawal ensures there is no room for misinterpretation about the UAE's military footprint in Yemen today.
Secret Prisons Claims Called Fabrications
The Ministry specifically addressed claims about so-called secret prisons at Riyan Airport. They described these allegations as deliberate fabrications. Officials stated these claims are designed to construct false narratives about UAE activities.
They clarified that the facilities in question are standard military structures. These include accommodation buildings, operations rooms, and fortified shelters. Some of these installations are located underground, which is a common feature in airports and military bases globally.
The Ministry insisted these facilities have no connection to allegations of clandestine detention. They function solely within normal military contexts according to official statements. The characterization as secret prisons is completely inaccurate from the UAE perspective.
Political Motivations Suspected
The UAE Ministry of Defence expressed concern over the motivations behind these allegations. Officials suggested they are part of a systematic effort to distort facts. They believe these claims advance specific political agendas in the region.
The Ministry highlighted that such claims undermine public understanding of the UAE's role. For years, the UAE has supported Yemeni security and stability according to their statement. The allegations unfairly question the sacrifices of Emirati soldiers over more than a decade of operations.
In a concluding statement, the MoD called the allegations unacceptable. They represent an attempt to mislead public opinion and tarnish the reputation of the UAE Armed Forces. Officials called for careful scrutiny of those promoting these falsehoods.
The Ministry urged observers to recognize verified facts over politically driven narratives. They want the international community to understand the actual situation based on evidence rather than allegations. The response was comprehensive in addressing each point raised by the Yemeni governor.
